OPERATIC MUSIC

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 140, 13 June 1918, Page 11

OPERATIC MUSIC

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln view of Balfe'e grand opera to be rendered at the Town Hall," it is interesting to recall (according to (J. P. Upton's comprehensive Work on standard operas) that "The Bohemian Girl" was first performed in 1843 at Drury Lane Theatre, London, and is one of the operas that has stood the test of time. It also had r the honour of being selected; for the State performance connected with the marriage of the Princess; Boyal; and, the revival of this pretty opera will be a treat to thousands here.

In these days, when we seem to get ■cither ultra classical 1 music' or something ■ like ragtime, Upton's remarks seem appropriate: "This opera of Balfe's, like, many other ballad operas, has become unfashionable, but it is doubtful whether. ' The Bohemian Girl' will ever lose its: attraction for those who delight in song-, melody, charming orchestration, and sparkling, animated choruses. It leaped' | into popularity at a bound, wild its pi-eltf; melodies sic still as fresli as when they [ were first snug." There is little doubt ! that, the Royal C'lioral tJnioii, under ilr. Pitvkec, will give a (ait-hful interpretation of the charming music—l am, etc., MELODY. ■ 1 JOth June.